3 day Capital investment summit & Expo 2018 kicks off in Islamabad

Islamabad, March 13, 2018: Pakistan’s largest saving and investment show ” Capital investment summit & Expo 2018″ started at Pak-China friendship centre Islamabad discussing the capital investment market situation of Pakistan. The event brought together investors from around the country, industry experts, and prominent names in the capital investment business. Event has been organized by Pakistan Guarantee Export corporation limited supported by Board of investment, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of overseas Pakistan and overseas Pakistanis foundation.

State minister for finance Rana Muhammad Afzal was the chief guest of the event. While addressing the inaugural session, State minister for finance Rana Afzal said that Pakistan of 2018 is totally changed with so much economic improvements. We have created an favorable environment for investment. He stated that Pakistan is now competing the developed economies.

While commenting on the CPEC, Rana Afzal said that CPEC is a clear example of how Pakistan is investment friendly country and investors are well protected by laws. He urged more investors to get benefit from Pakistan’s favorable investment policies. He said that Pakistan is one of the top flexible and intelligent labor force provider in the world.

Speaking on the occasion , Secretary board of Investment (BoI) , Sumaira Nazir Siddiqui , said that Pakistan’s economy growing at rapid pace and our all economic institutions are investment friendly. She told that investor friendly policies are bringing huge impact on economy and more investors are coming to Pakistan feeling their money well protected.

Mr. Richard Morin, MD Pakistan Stock Exchange went on to emphasize the importance of the capital market in overall economic growth of the country. He said that situation has improved a lot and they are working on to minimize the challenges.

Mian Mehmood, Chairman Pakistan Guarantee Export corporation limited, said that the aim of the event is to bring experts on one platform to discuss the current and future potential of Pakistan’s capital investment market. He said that investors from around the globe are willing to invest in Pakistan and such events will help Pakistan to show the real worth of our market and will attract more players to join. He said that we all are here to discuss the challenges, possibilities and way forward.

The plenary session on “Country Profile: Pakistan The Trillion Dollar Market” remained the most attractive session with the focus on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Ms Amena Cheema, the former Chairperson Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (PBIT) gave a presentation on the prospects of investment in various Special Economic Zones (SEZs). She mentioned about 10 CPEC SEZs in which the investment is being facilitated by offering incentives specially by minimising the time and cost of starting industrial projects in these SEZs.

Ms Teresa Sanchez, who had arrived in Pakistan a week ago as Resident Representative for International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted the major aspects of seeing Pakistan as an emerging economy.

The session on “Pakistan’s Capital Markets: Journey to Best Performer Status & Future Expectations” focused on expanding the base of Pakistan’s Capital Market by getting more companies to be listed in the market. Mr Richard Morin, MD Pakistan Stock Exchange highlighted the areas as how to increase the investor base in Pakistan’s Capital Market. The participants were of firm view that investment in Capital Market can be increased by creating more awareness and educating the people.

The last session of the first day “Capital Markets: Regulation, Taxation & Growth” focused on how the government can help grow Capital Market through introducing better regulation, tax incentives that can actually lead to more investment in the Markets.